SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Police has launched a comprehensive technology-driven and cost-intensive strategy to minimize road accidents and fatalities across the state. This traffic management system has fetched the police Rs 27.40 Crore by October 2023 in the state. More is in the offing.
HP police has recognized a major role played by the technology-driven traffic management in ensuring public safety than anything else for traffic rules sensitization aiming at creating a culture of safe traffic and driving habits on the roads.
The police force has incorporated cutting-edge technology into its operations meaning that the violators would end up shelling out more as they would be at the mercy of AI cameras here and there on the state roads monitoring the traffic.
The Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), breath analyzers, laser speed guns, 4G body-worn cameras, and other tech-based equipment are being utilized for traffic enforcement, informed AIG TTR Dhawal.
As part of this initiative, 46 Intelligent Traffic Management Systems have been installed at various locations on National Highways and State Highways in Himachal Pradesh.
An additional 18 ITMS, including 10 on the newly constructed Kiratpur-Manali four-lane Highway, are slated to become operational by December 31, 2023.
Notably, the state has issued 6,99,618 e-challans through ITMS, POS machines, and Android phones, resulting in the realization of fines amounting to Rs 27.40 Crore by October 30, 2023.
Significant Reductions in Road Accidents and Fatalities.
HP Police claim that Himachal Pradesh has reported a 13% reduction in Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs), a 19% reduction in fatalities, and a 15% reduction in injuries from January 1 to December 1, 2023, compared to the same period last year.
This progress is particularly noteworthy considering a 10% growth in road lengths, a 9% annual increase in vehicle registrations, and a continuous rise in tourist influx.
Director General of Himachal Pradesh Police, Shri Sanjay Kundu, attributes this reduction to increased driver awareness and improvements made by identifying and addressing black spots on National Highways and district roads.
The police force remains committed to adopting global best practices to make the state a leader in road safety, he said.
World Bank Funded Project Supports Road Safety Initiatives
Under a World Bank-funded program, Himachal Pradesh Police is procuring patrol vehicles, wrecker (tow) vehicles, interceptor vehicles, and advanced equipment for police patrolling, rescue operations, and emergency response.
The total outlay for this project is Rs. 47.79 Crores. The initiative covers pilot districts Shimla, PD Nurpur, and Safe Corridor Demonstration Project 1 (Palampur-Shilla).
Districts Mandi and Kangra will also be included in subsequent phases.
The World Bank team has praised Himachal Pradesh Police for prioritizing road safety during a recent review.
The project aims to establish Road Safety Enforcement Command & Control Rooms, AI cameras for traffic violations, speed enforcement systems, and various other tools to enhance enforcement and emergency response capabilities.
Breakdown of World Bank Funded Project Costs
The enforcement and emergency response initiative, known as Safe Corridor Demonstration Project out of which AI Camera & Enforcement System would cost Rs. 3.25 crore and vehicles Rs 1.5 crore among other things.
Much remains to be seen whether technology-driven cost-intensive traffic system will bring down fatalities or it will break the eco-backbone of the public in the mountain state.
